Ahab's Heir: The Werewhale Saga, #2

Chapter 1

Morgan grabbed the bars in front of her and pulled with all her strength, but they did not budge. Hey, let me out! I didn’t do anything wrong. Please, come back here.

A retreating figure didn’t look back, left the room, and slammed a solid door behind him.

Come on! She shook the bars violently and then stepped back and kicked at them with all her might. On impact, pain shot up her foot into her shin, and she fell onto her side. She grunted in frustration and then nursed her bruised foot.

There’s no use getting yourself all injured. The man across the room came up to the front of his cell and leaned in as close as he could to Morgan. Just take it easy, lass.

She took her boot off, peeled away a dirty sock, and then massaged her toes. She didn’t remember the last time she had clean socks. Who are you?

In the dim light, the man tugged at his rugged gray beard. Name’s Rusty.

Morgan slipped her boot back on and stood up, gingerly placing weight on her left foot. What kind of name is that? She crossed her cell and leaned her head against the bars. Only a few feet separated them.

It’s mine, that’s what it is. He puffed up his chest and pounded his chest. Full name is Ruston, but I go by Rusty for short.

My name’s Morgan. She reached out her hand and went to shake his but only their fingertips brushed against each other.

How’d you get yourself in a place like this? He pointed at her right eye. Looks like you don’t have too many friends.

She touched her black eye and winced from the bruise. I got caught stealing.

You’re a thief, are you? He sized her up and then chanced to say a bit more. With the looks of you, I don’t see why you’d waste your time on stealing. I can see the glitter beneath the dirt. He smiled at her, and his discolored teeth did not add to his looks.

Morgan smiled back but then turned toward the door at the far end of the room. Thank you. But you’re right, I’m not normally a thief. I needed to steal something special tonight. She lowered her voice and said no more.

There’s not much of value in these parts. He coughed into his hand, and his chest rumbled. In fact, there’s not much to steal at all.

I didn’t try to steal riches. Lowering her voice still more, Morgan pressed her face against the bars and whispered, I tried to steal information.

He looked at her askance. What?

She put her hands in front of her mouth and spoke the words as low as she could. Maps!

Why would you want to steal that for? They’ll be all over the place. Rusty scratched his head and chuckled. Damn, if you would have met me outside of here, I could have helped you. I make maps for a living. He coughed again, and the loose phlegm came up, and he turned away to spit it out onto the floor of his tiny cell.

You wouldn’t have the map that I need. Morgan pulled her hair into a ponytail and tied it back. It’s a special one.

Maybe I could help you. I know a thing or two about special maps. I have hundreds of them where I work. He stopped talking and glanced away a bit. Maybe we can make an arrangement…

He said the words and then turned back to stare at her.

She threw her hands up in the air and shrugged. That would have been nice if we would have met before we both got in here. Depending on the arrangement, we could have helped each other.

I wouldn’t want much. Just… He licked his lips unconsciously and turned away again. I’ve been on my own a long time and could use a companion.

I’m not that sort of woman. Morgan moved away from the bars and hobbled over to the small cot in the corner.

I didn’t mean to imply… Flustered, he stuttered a bit and wrung his hands. I only meant that we could have some dinner together and talk.

What got you locked up in here? Morgan changed the topic quickly but stayed seated. She pulled her injured foot up and rested it on the cot.

I didn’t pay my taxes. I owed money and refused to pay. He pointed back at the cot. A few nights’ sleep in here is cheaper than paying up. I’d rather stay here than give money over to them.

You’re a man of principles then, aren’t you? Morgan sized him up, and he smiled at her.

His rotted teeth and disheveled look made him look anything but.

I like to think that I am. I’m an upstanding member of the community. He pulled himself up to his full height and tucked in his shirt. I’m a good Christian and do what I’m told.

Except pay taxes. Morgan laughed and shook her head.

Yep, except that. He sat down on the cot and leaned back against the wall.

She weighed her options and thought a minute, letting the silence drag out between them.

He just sat there watching her, and she didn’t turn away. Morgan leaned back against the wall with her hands on her knee, thinking.

What if we made a deal? She got up and limped back over to as close as she could get to him.

I like deals. He jumped up off the cot, eager to talk and see her close up again.

Morgan reached out her arm as far as she could toward him. Would you swear to help me get the map I need? She kept her arm out with the side of her face pressed against the bars. And in return, I’ll be your companion for a night.

His eyebrows went up, and he thrust his arm between the bars to touch her hand, but Morgan pulled back.

But I want to be clear. I’d be your companion to have dinner, and we’d do some talking. I’d let you hold my hand, and that’s all. She eyed him up and hesitated to put her hand out to him.

Yes, yes, I promise! He reached out to her eagerly, but still she held back.

Do you swear that whatever map I ask for, that you’ll give it to me?

He hesitated and then laughed. Of course. I swear it!

Their hands touched, and they shook firmly. He did not let go of her hand and squeezed it. We’re not getting out of here, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t swear. He laughed and eyed her up.

Pulling her hand from his, Morgan put both hands on the bars in front of her and with a tiny push opened her cell. It would do you well not to underestimate me.

But how? If his mouth could open farther, he would have. He tugged at his cell but nothing budged.

Your house is only minutes from here, and they’ll look for you once we’ve escaped. Morgan pointed down the opposite end of the hallway. We’re going out the back door and will walk arm in arm once we hit the streets. Got it?

His eyes lit up with a twinkle as he could not wash the goofy grin off his face. Yes, yes. Come on, let me out before they come back and discover you’ve escaped.

She pulled the spare key from behind her ear and unlocked his cell. He went to leave, but she blocked it from opening. You made a promise and swore to me that you would help me. I have kept up my end of the bargain. Do we still have a deal?

To his credit, he hesitated. Yes, we do. Now come on. Let me out!

Morgan stepped back and he rushed out of his cell and turned back to stare in disbelief at his luck. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad day as I had thought. Looks like my luck has really changed.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall with her. Now listen to me. Whatever I do, just follow and go along with me. It’ll be best for the two of us. Got it?

I’m not going to put up a fight with you. You just freed me from my cell. I’ll follow you to hell and back. When he smiled, she looked away to avoid the sight of his teeth.

The jailhouse’s back door led out to a small street. Morgan led the way and put her arm around his and hung her body close to him. At first, he pulled back, unsure of how to walk with her so plastered on to him. The jail only has the one guard, and he’s drinking up front by the fire right now. We won’t have to worry about him. I just don’t want to wake his dog.

Rusty followed her lead, and they made it across the dirt road. They kept walking straight toward the small cemetery ahead. The large gates had not been fully closed for the night, and Morgan smiled. We’re almost there.

They hurried the rest of the way, and Rusty stopped, pulling her to a halt. Umm, look. He spoke low and pointed.

Jet-black and massive, a dog sniffed at them. He hesitated and waited for them to respond.

Morgan froze, unable to move for fear that he would charge them and bark, thereby giving them away.

Still looking more curious than defensive, the dog turned his head to the right and sniffed at them again. A low growl started to form in the back of his throat, and Rusty pushed Morgan away and held out his hand to the animal. Hi there, little doggie. I have a little treat for you. Would you like that?

He knelt to the dog’s level and held up a closed fist below the dog’s mouth. Trotting over, he sniffed at the offered hand, and then Rusty opened his fist that contained a small piece of dried jerky.

Just go on and walk into the cemetery. I’ll follow you shortly. Rusty said the words to Morgan, but he never took his eyes off the dog in front of him.

But what about you? She held back a moment and then took a few steps toward the gates.

I’ll be right behind you. Just follow the path, and I’ll meet you at the large mausoleum. The dog took the piece of dried meat from his hand, and then Rusty scratched him behind the ears. You’re such a good dog, aren’t you?

Okay, but you better not lie to me and run off.

Rusty reached for another piece of jerky in his pocket and offered it to the dog. While the dog ate, he turned to face Morgan. I swore to you that I would help you, and I mean it. I may not be the most upstanding person, but I am true to my word.

She smiled at him and nodded. Don’t be long.

I’ll be there before you know it. He watched the dog eat the second bit of meat and then scratched behind his other ear.

Morgan headed off through the gates of the cemetery and followed the worn path through the tombstones. Humid and warm, the air hung heavy with the summer’s heat, and a haze hung in the night sky. A crescent moon hung low on the horizon, mostly obscured by some clouds. The path ahead was dark and she treaded carefully until she arrived at a mausoleum, large enough that the structure towered over her, made of white marble. She hid behind one of the columns and heard a whistle.

What do you want? Morgan asked in frustration.

Ishmael popped out from behind the other side of the mausoleum and smiled. I hate to interrupt you on your exciting adventure tonight with your male companion. He had pulled his curly hair back into a ponytail and had recently trimmed his beard. Morgan waved him away.

Stay out of sight! Rusty will be here any moment, and I don’t want you to ruin things. We almost have what we came for.

Okay, I’ll go back to skulking in the shadows. But I wanted to tell you that the spying that you asked me to do turned something up. He folded his arms across his broad chest and watched for her response.

I didn’t tell you to spy on her. Morgan fidgeted with her hands and searched for the right words.

Anyone who tells me to keep an eye out on their mother is asking me to spy. He challenged her with a look and dared her to contradict him.

What did you find out? Morgan glanced back over her shoulder but didn’t see Rusty heading toward her yet.

I found out who has been paying for all her expenses, and I thought you’d want to know. He went to say more but then quieted.

Well, who is it? He hesitated and Morgan slapped her hand on the upper part of her thigh. We don’t have much time. Just tell me!

You need to talk with your mother and hear it from her. It’s not my place to tell you. I just wanted you to know.

You and I both knew that it would be risky coming back to my hometown, but…

Ishmael pointed over her right shoulder and then slipped back into the shadows and vanished.

Damn it! Morgan turned back the way she had come and spied Rusty heading her way. He didn’t run and walked at a normal pace with no one behind him.

It took him a while to see her in the dark, but he waved, and she headed over toward him.

The dog’s all taken care of? Morgan dropped back into character and pulled him close to her, taking his arm.

Yeah, that little guy wasn’t going to hurt us. He just wanted someone to pet him and give him some food. He’ll not be following us. Rusty pulled her to the right and away from the mausoleum. Right on the other side of the cemetery is where we’re headed.

Morgan went along with him, but she quickly glanced back over her shoulder to see if Ishmael followed but could not spot him at all.

Are you taking me to your house? A dog’s bark from way off past the county jail startled her.

No, I’m not. Rusty scratched the back of his neck and made direct eye contact with her. I know why you’re here.

He stood firm, blocking the path in front of her that led in the direction of his house.

Morgan put her fists up in defense and squared off with him. If you have other ideas in mind, then you better get ready to fight.

Even before she had met Ishmael, her brother Nathan had taught her the basics of how to defend herself. It wasn’t ladylike to throw punches around, but she was far from a lady.

You want the map, don’t you? He stood firm and didn’t react to her about to punch him in the face.

Let’s just go back to your house. I promised to be your companion. To survive this, she had to think fast. Ishmael would probably be halfway to Rusty’s house by now. She had no way to reach him for help and had to take care of herself.

And then what? Put something in my drink so that I fall asleep and then you’d ransack my home? He put his hand over his heart. I swore to you that I would help you and wouldn’t hurt you. But you have other intentions with me. You only want my map.

The dog barked again, louder this time, and Morgan tried to stay calm. Yes, I want your most precious treasure. And, yes, I was going to try and find it while you slept. I need it.

Everyone says that. They need it. I need it too. He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. But I’ve never let it see the light of day. It’s too dangerous. It’s best to be hidden and locked away.

Where are you taking me? Morgan hung back with her fists at the ready.

Do you trust me? Rusty held out his hand toward her.

The dog barked a third time, and someone yelled back at it. They didn’t have much time. Morgan had to decide.

Yes. She took his hand, and a slight smile broke out on his face, and he headed off down a different dirt road.

They ran as fast as they could to the far end of the cemetery. Rusty stopped at a wall of vines and several broken tombstones. Out of respect, he gingerly walked around the graves and pulled away the vines.

Is that a door? Morgan helped him move away the foliage and traced the outline of the doorway with her hands.

Yes, it is. Hurry. Help me open it. He put his shoulder against the stone door and pushed hard.

She stood next to him, and together, they barely moved the door a few inches, but it did nudge inward a bit.

Far off at the jail, the dog barked again but this time was answered by another dog within the cemetery.

Come on, push harder. I think the groundskeeper is on a stroll. He grunted with the effort, and the door opened inward.

Morgan added all her strength to help him, and the stone slab opened enough for them to sneak through. Rusty went in first, and then Morgan followed. They closed the door back up, and the last of the moon’s light faded with it.

Morgan breathed heavy, moved away from the opening, and reached out for the nearest wall.

Don’t be afraid. Rusty’s voice came from right in front of her. Their arms brushed, and he reached for her hand. I know it’s dark and we’re alone, but I promise that I’m not going to harm you.

It’s not you that I’m worried about. Maybe you have friends in here or there’s something else that you have planned for me. She pulled her hand from his and stayed put. I want to go back out.

She heard him stop, and he reached again for her hand again. Morgan pulled away from him, and she backed up against the stone door.

Listen, to me. Up ahead is a tunnel that leads down into a hidden chamber. I have the map there that you want. We’ll get it, I’ll give it to you, and…

And then what? She prepared herself for a fight. You’ll trap me in here forever?

You do have an active imagination, but I told you that I don’t want that. He took a deep breath and sighed. I didn’t ask to be rescued from jail. You sought me out, and I’m no fool. A pretty young girl gets locked up the same night I do and suddenly wants to befriend me?

I didn’t know where you had put the map, so I came up with a creative plan. Morgan couldn’t see him but heard him move farther away from her.

I’m leaving and am going on. You can either come with me or stay here in the dark. He paused a moment and asked, What do you want to do?

Morgan pressed up against the cold stone door behind her and caught a glimpse of movement in front of her. She could smell the must in the air; lichen or some sort of mold lined the walls. If she didn’t follow him, she didn’t know how she’d get out.

I’ll come with you. She resigned herself to fate.

Rusty grabbed her hand and slowly led her forward. We’re going to take it slow.

Morgan started walking and kept her free hand at her side as what she imagined to be on the walls was probably worse than reality.

They walked onward without speaking for a bit, and then Rusty stopped a moment and turned right. A trickling of water could be heard coming from the opposite direction. We’re almost there. Just a bit more.

Good, I want to get out of here. I don’t love the dark. Morgan recoiled from a sound to her right, and her voice broke. She focused and knew that if she didn’t get out of here that Ishmael would never find her. She would be buried under the ground never to be seen again. All that Ishmael and she had worked so hard for would be forgotten. And her mother would mourn her, having lost her husband, son, and now daughter. Alone and abandoned, her mother would probably curse Morgan to her dying day for not staying to support her.

Okay, watch your step. This is the tricky part. Rusty pulled her to the right, and they heard his foot land in large pool of water. Damn, I always miss that.

Morgan took a wide step forward, and her heel landed in a puddle. He pushed onward, and they turned a corner. Ahead, a dim green glow startled her.

Morgan froze and squeezed tight Rusty’s hand. What is that?

What? The light? He pointed ahead. It’s just some glowing lichen.

Bad memories rose up within her, and she fought to dispel them. I’m not fond of glowing things.

It’s not going to harm you. I promise. He led her the rest of the way, and they entered a cavern the size of a room in the average house.

How are we going to get out of here? Morgan’s voice echoed in the small chamber and she fought hard to keep her fear at bay.

There’s another passageway right over there. He pointed, but in the dim green light, she could only see a black hole in the wall.

Good. Then get the map, and let’s get out of here. She glanced up, and even the ceiling had glowing bits of lichen on it.

Rusty let go of her hand and hurried over to the far wall. He searched, running his hands over the stone until he found something. Got it.

He held up a cylindrical map case and waved it at her.

Then give it to me! The deep voice came from behind Morgan, and she spun around startled.

Tall, built stocky, and his face covered with a thick beard, the stranger pointed a pistol at Rusty. Morgan remained still not sure what to do. Her heart beat fast and her right arm started shaking. She wanted to run or attack him, but in the dim light, there were too many chances for her to fail and get hurt.

Yes, certainly. I’ll give it to you. Rusty had disguised his voice, making it sound subservient as he first had spoken to Morgan back when they first met in the prison. His shoulders stooped, and he slowly raised both his arms up. I am going to walk over to you with my arms in the air, and then I’ll lower my right arm to give you the map case. Okay?

Just get on over here before I shoot you. He then turned on Morgan and pointed the gun at her chest. Stay put or you’ll get hurt. Got it?

She nodded and hid her clenched fist behind her back. If she rushed him when he took the map from Rusty, she might be able to knock him off balance.

James, where are you? Another man could be heard farther down the passage.

James glanced back over his shoulder for a split second and yelled, I’m back over here. Hurry up. There’s two of them. And Pete, one of them looks to be a pretty girl. You better hurry up before there’s nothing left for you.

Rusty stopped walking but kept his hands in the air. He glanced over to Morgan in the dark and quickly nodded his head in the opposite direction.

Let’s go, keep coming to me, and give me that map. He trained his gun back to Rusty.

Here you go. Just like you asked. Rusty sped up and then slowly lowered his right arm, offering the map case.

That’s better. James went to take the map, and Rusty’s arm changed.

Morgan rushed back and watched Rusty’s arm split apart, and each finger elongated, stretching out tentacle-like. James stumbled back in surprise, and his gun went off, hitting the ceiling. A loud screeching deafened her, and she covered her ears, trying to block out the sound. Morgan watched, paralyzed, as tentacles from Rusty’s arm wrapped themselves around James’s arm, holding him still. From the ground and the ceiling, more tentacles exploded out of their hiding spots piercing through James like a stick through a leaf.

In the dimness, blood splattered onto the ground, and it came alive in response. Rocks shifted and rose up like shellfish, crunching on James’s legs. His raw grunt of surprise ended quickly as the tentacles from the ground pulled him down in a crevice she had not seen.

Seconds later, the tentacles vanished back into their hiding spots. Blood on the ceiling dripped down into a still puddle in the center of the cavern. Other than that noise, only Morgan’s ragged breathing could be heard.

James? Peter called right outside. Everything all right?

Rusty turned toward Morgan, but she backed away. His one arm remained transformed into multiple tentacles that twitched slowly around his body. And other parts of him had changed as well. One eye glowed bright green with the right side of his face sporting scales, shellfish, and barnacles.

Go. His voice had deepened and took on a more guttural quality as he pushed Morgan toward the other end of the cavern.

Who’s in there? Peter’s voice quivered as he remained outside.

A low hissing sound of steam building up within the chamber brought Morgan to action. She ran, tripped over something alive on the ground, and fell onto her knees. Her hands protected her fall, but they went deep into the puddle of water. They brushed against hundreds of tiny tentacles in the water, moving toward Rusty, as if called to him. She flinched and pulled herself up as quickly as she could, but the sound of her falling and unintentional gasp of surprise echoed throughout the cavern.

I got you now! Peter rushed forward, and in the greenish light, his blond hair shone bright.

Morgan kept running, but her feet sank into sand and she struggled to continue. Then she stopped. Something on her right hand caught her eye.

Spidery lines that glowed red crawled up her arm. She had not seen such a sight since the island of nightmares more than two years ago. She pulled up her sleeve, and as she feared, the red veins pulsed and glowed all the way up her arm.

Stop! Peter shouted at Rusty.

A blur of darkness splurged out of Rusty and covered Peter’s face. He fired his gun and then the cavern exploded in color and light. Dozens of tentacles shot forth from the sides of the walls, and Rusty transformed fully into a